Fine dining in Ireland ....Fine dining is a relatively new concept in Ireland, largely due to the financial boom of recent years when Irish people travelled extensively, developing more sophisticated palettes that opened up a market for top class restaurants. Which had been limited before to a couple of well known establishments like Le Coq Hardi in Dublin or the Arbutus Lodge in Cork, both long gone, which were only frequented by well heeled politicians or men-in-suits with large (very large) expense accounts.The Celtic Tiger paved the way for a new era of Michelin star chasing restaurants which triumphed in the blaze of publicity that surrounds celebrity chefs nowadays, yet has on occasion burnt out just as quickly to disappear without trace in these recessionary times. Those that survive are true heroes of their craft, constantly excelling in standards of fine cuisine, excellent produce, ambiance and service, like Bentleys, Chapter One or L’Ecrivan, which of course comes at a price.....
That said, my favourites are those that support the local artisan food producers and their products, like The Mustard Seed in Limerick or Gregans Castle in Ballyvaughan. Fresh organic vegetables, fine smoked salmon, locally hung meat, fresh fish, cheeses & even chocolate. Which is what all of the establishments featured in the Where to Stay section of my website also as a free iPhone app Irelands 50 Top Hotels, endeavour to do. So, you wont go wrong if you choose to eat in any of those. The 10 Best restaurants in Ireland are..... Bentleys Oyster Bar & Grill St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, very good food at very reasonable prices. Blue Haven Kinsale, County Cork, one of the originals and still the best. Chapter One Parnell Square, Dublin 1, a book-ing that will not dissappoint, superb. Cherry Tree Killaloe, County Limerick, mouth watering food on the river Shannon. Gregans Castle Restaurant Ballyvaughan, County Clare, beautifully presented & the most facebooked food in Ireland! L'Ecrivain Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 running out of superlatives here.... The Mustard Seed Adare, County Limerick, fresh from garden vegetables, local meat and fish. The Belfry Multyfarnham, County Westmeath, a divine experience in a converted church. The Tannery Dungarvan, Waterford, trail blazing couple, smashing food. Wineport Lodge Athlone, County Westmeath great pit stop on the road home, wonderful early bird menu
If you disagree with any of my choices or have come across a gem of a restaurant you would prefer to see listed, please let me know.
For more options on fine dining in Ireland please click here. |
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